§ Lieut.-Commander Fletcherasked the First Lord of the Admiralty what is the present position in regard to His Majesty's Ship "Warspite"; how much the ship originally cost; how much has been spent on refitting her since; and how many times she has broken down since her last refit?
Mr. CooperReconstruction was completed at the end of June, 1937, and the ship carried out successfully all trials except steering trials. The steering gear and rudders were modified and further extensive steering trials were made which showed that the steering gear was satisfactory. During the course of these latter trials trouble was experienced with certain engine couplings and some slight leaks developed in two unimportant compartments aft. The ship is now in dock
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Mr. CooperThe approximate numbers of established and hired industrial staff of all grades borne at all Admiralty establishments at home in the years mentioned are given below:
Year. Established. Hired. 1913 … … 8,000 46,000 1920 … … 16,700 55,800 1930 … … 12,600 35,600 1937 … … 9,700 51,000